Cinnamon Sugar Churro Popcorn is hands down one of the best sweet popcorn recipes I’ve ever made. I love churros and popcorn, so this is the ultimate treat mash-up for more. Each bite has the perfect amount of cinnamon with the texture of caramel corn. It’s such a craveable snack!
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This is a great recipe to create something new out of simple, everyday ingredients. It puts a fun twist on classic popcorn without making it way too sweet. Cinnamon and sugar popcorn is a must-try after-school snack or addition to a charcuterie board.
If you like cinnamon recipes, you will love these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Bowls and Rhubarb Muffins with their cinnamon sugar topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s cheap to make. Budget-friendly snacks are the way to go, especially for parties! This cinnamon popcorn recipe proves you don’t need to spend a lot to create something scrumptious.
- It’s just 6 ingredients. I use six ingredients to make this cinnamon sugar popcorn, making it so simple! Items like sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla are items most people have on hand in their pantries.
- It takes 10 minutes. The best part about this recipe is how quick it is to put together. It takes 10 minutes total to pop the popcorn, make the cinnamon mixture, and combine them!
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make cinnamon and sugar popcorn. These components give the popcorn a real churro flavor when combined.
- Popcorn: I use microwave popcorn to make this churro popcorn recipe even easier. If you get one of the large multipack boxes, it’s typically a great deal, too! Then, you’ll have extra popcorn to make this again. Use any flavor variety you want, although I prefer classic butter.
- Corn syrup: This is a crucial ingredient because it prevents the sugar from crystallizing, so you get perfectly crunchy popcorn without a grainy texture. I like light corn syrup here, so it doesn’t overpower the cinnamon.
- Sugar: I use a combination of light brown sugar and white sugar. I love the molasses and caramel notes of the brown sugar, and I feel like it complements the other ingredients.
- Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. I have found that if I leave it out, the brown sugar and cinnamon aren’t as prominent.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is where you get that classic churro flavor from. I use about a tablespoon, but you can sprinkle on a little more if you want!
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Apple pie: Incorporate some apple pie spice to give your popcorn an apple pie flavor.
- Nut crunch: Fold in some chopped pecans and walnuts for extra crunch.
- Mexican hot chocolate: Stir in cocoa powder and a touch of cayenne pepper for spice to create a Mexican hot chocolate version.
How to Make Churro Popcorn
These are the only steps you’ll need to make churro cinnamon sugar popcorn. All you have to do to prepare is pop your bag of microwave popcorn!
Step 1: Combine the cinnamon mixture ingredients. Heat the corn syrup, sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Stir and dissolve. Stir the ingredients and cook them for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add the popcorn. Take the pot off the heat and pour in the popped popcorn.
Step 4: Stir and serve. Gently fold the popcorn to coat it in the cinnamon mixture. Let it cool and then enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Storage directions: Store leftover popcorn in a large Ziploc bag for up to 5 days at room temperature. I don’t recommend storing it in the refrigerator as moisture will make it soggy.
- For extra flavor: Toss the cooled popcorn mixture in extra cinnamon sugar.
- Add a sprinkle of salt: If you find this treat is too sweet, add a sprinkle of salt to the cinnamon mixture before you stir it with the popcorn. It will provide some balance.
If you love recipes like this churro-inspired dessert, you may also enjoy these Churro Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
- Use this cinnamon sugar popcorn as a topping for ice cream. Classic vanilla ice cream, pumpkin ice cream, and gingerbread ice cream are lovely choices.
- I also love it as a garnish for cheesecake or pie! Carrot cake cheesecake and creamy pumpkin pie pair well with the cinnamon sugar flavor.
- Add it to caramel Chex Mix for more texture!
Recipe FAQs
I recommend against freezing churro popcorn. As it thaws, it will take on moisture and make the popcorn soft and soggy.
Sure! Use your favorite stovetop popcorn instead of microwave popcorn. I like the microwave variety for convenience.
More Delicious Dessert Popcorn Recipes
Do you like popcorn? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Crunchy Churro Popcorn
Ingredients
- 2 bags microwave popcorn
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Pop your popcorn according to the package directions and then set it aside.
- Add the corn syrup, brown sugar, white granulated sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to a large pot over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Turn off the burner and add the popcorn to the pot. Gently fold the popcorn until it is evenly coated in the sugar mixture.
- Let the popcorn cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store your churro popcorn in a Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For more cinnamon sugar flavor, whisk together ½ tablespoon of cinnamon and ½ cup of white granulated sugar toss the fully cooled popcorn in it.
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